Storm shuts down Canadian onion facilities
"We have so far lost one storage facility with 2,500 plus bins and currently all of our Idaho facilities have structural concerns or issues. We have sent all packing employees home for their protection" said Dwayne Fisher at Champion Produce Company, Parma.
"We are currently working to get snow loads removed from the buildings to prevent further loss. Rain and more snow is forecasted in the near future and could lead to further issues."
"Our Tamura packing facility had a small fire caused from our neighbors losing their steel buildings and bringing down power lines with it. I was fortunate to find the fire and put it out before we had a total loss."
The entire Wilder plant is without power and all onions currently packed on the floor are ruined from smoke damage. Currently the owners are unsure if they will be able to continue operations once the dust settles.
"We are doing all in our power to find solutions and prevent further damage, while protecting the safety of our employees."
source: onionbusiness.com